Oxford AQA International A-level · Psychology (9685)

Psychopathology: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 3 written questions with worked solutions. All on Psychopathology.

8 questions17 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which definition of abnormality describes mental illness purely based on mathematical data, where a behaviour is considered abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or rare?

Question 2

1 mark

A therapist is using systematic desensitisation to treat a patient with a phobia of spiders. The patient has already constructed an anxiety hierarchy. According to the standard procedural steps, what is the immediate next requirement before the patient begins graduated exposure to the spiders?

Question 3

1 mark

According to Ellis's ABC model as a cognitive explanation for depression, what does 'B' (Beliefs) primarily represent, and how is this element effectively targeted within the framework of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

Question 4

1 mark

According to the two-process model, a specific phobia is initially acquired through classical conditioning. How is this phobia primarily maintained over time, fitting the second part of the model?

Question 5

1 mark

According to Beck’s cognitive explanation of depression, which of the following best describes the relationship between negative self-schemas and the negative triad?

Question 6

3 marks

Outline the three components of Beck's negative triad, which are central to his cognitive explanation of depression.

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Question 7

5 marks

Explain how the deviation from ideal mental health definition defines abnormality and identify two specific criteria proposed by Jahoda that would indicate psychological well-being.

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Question 8

4 marks

Psychology uses several definitions to determine whether behaviour is considered abnormal.

(a) Describe two distinct definitions of abnormality used in psychology (e.g., Deviation from Social Norms, Statistical Infrequency, etc.).

(b) Outline the defining characteristics of a specific phobia, such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders), according to the criteria used in psychopathology.

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